In a place where there are way too many vague film festivals, Sound Unseen sticks out as a fest that is unusually focused and well-curated.

There are no losers among the films I’ve seen at this year’s program of movies about music (as well as musical performances by, among many others, Venus De Mars, MaLLy, Charlie Parr, Greycoats and DJ Richmanva). To give you a leg up on the festival, which starts Wednesday and runs through Sunday, here’s what I have seen, ranging from my favorite to my least favorite (and even that one is worth seeing):

“WE ALWAYS LIE TO STRANGERS”

I figured I knew what to expect from a documentary about the Midwestern Vegas: Branson, Mo. I was wrong. “We Always Lie to Strangers” introduces us to four families whose members perform at theaters in Branson, the small Ozarks town that boasts more theater seats than Broadway. Initially, you may be tempted to stereotype a closeted gay performer, the perky Lennon Sisters, a zaftig country singer and a husband-and-wife who work behind the scenes (she’s the mayor of Branson, in fact). Then, as the more than a dozen “characters” in “Strangers” face tough economic times, the movie reveals surprises about all of these people. Humane and curious, “Strangers” is a fine addition to a year packed with great documentaries. 3 p.m., Sunday, McNally Smith College of Music, St. Paul.

“EVERY EVERYTHING: THE MUSIC, LIFE AND TIMES OF GRANT HART”

The former Husker Du and Nova Mob rocker is a witty guide through his own career. The film is too tightly focused — with Hart as the only interviewee, there’s not much context — but he is riveting. “Everything” is packed with archival footage, including an astonishing clip of a 7th Street Entry show that featured a large bonfire on-stage. And, when footage isn’t available, director Gorman Bechard (who also made the Replacements film, “Color Me Obsessed”) comes up with unique solutions, such as a stylish animated sequence and a stop-motion look at how Hart creates collages. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Landmark Center, St. Paul.

“MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS”

Named for a song by melancholy rockers The National, “Mistaken” was shot by filmmaking neophyte Tom Berninger, whose brother, Matt, is the band’s singer. Tom was supposed to be a roadie for The National but it soon becomes clear he’s not much good at making movies or moving amps. Even so, “Mistaken for Strangers” is fascinating because, although Tom thinks he’s making a rock doc, what he’s really making is a sad, intimate portrait of a man who can’t figure out where he fits. And that man would be himself. 7 p.m., Sunday, McNally Smith College of Music, St. Paul.

“Death to Prom” — An updated, locally-shot take on a John Hughes high school romcom, “Death to Prom” is most notable for its three talented leads: Ricardo Vazquez as a gay fashionisto, Hina Khan as his sarcastic bestie and Andrew Keives as the athlete they both lust after. The design of “Prom” is aces, featuring glam costumes by “Project Runway” vet Christopher Straub and eye-popping locations such as the Witch’s Hat water tower in Minneapolis’ Prospect Park. But the script and supporting cast both needed to be sharper. 7 p.m., Saturday, McNally Smith College of Music, St. Paul.

“DREW: THE MAN BEHIND THE POSTER”

By all accounts, artist Drew Struzan is a kind, talented guy, but that does not make him interesting. “Poster” showcases the Struzan paintings that defined a couple decades of album covers (Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare,” Kiss’ “Destroyer”) and movie posters (the “Star Wars,” “Back to the Future” and “Indiana Jones” films). “Poster” is valuable, if only for detailing the astonishing output of Struzan, but repetitive interviews with the artist and his buddies reveal that there’s only enough story here for a short film. One fascinating bit — actor Harrison Ford meets, for the first time, the artist who has painted him hundreds of times — is notable for its cringe-worthy awkwardness. 1 p.m., Sunday, McNally Smith College of Music, St. Paul.

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